Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 21:20

"And God was with the lad, and he grew. And he dwelt in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer." — Genesis 21:20 (ASV)

He grew. —Literally, became great, that is, grew to manhood.

And dwelt in the wilderness. —He sought no refuge in Egypt, where so large a Semitic population was gathering, nor in any Canaanite town, but took to the wandering life in the desert, such as is still usual with the Arabs.

An archer. —Hebrew, a shooter of bowshots. Another explanation, from a verb signifying to multiply, or be great, is not tenable.